The government has ‘sought a price’ from Democratic Party leader, former Army commander Sarath Fonseka, to get him to join its ranks, a very reliable source reports to ‘Lanka News Web.’
In response to common opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena’s public declaration that he would restore, within 24 hours of his election, the positions and privileges lost by the ex-Army chief, the president has expressed agreement to return Fonseka everything the government has taken from him.
Agreement is for Fonseka to be restored civic rights, his general ranking and pension, ownership of the plot of land at Kirimandala Mawatha in Nawala, release of the frozen money in several banks and withdrawal of fabricated court cases against him.
However, it has been stressed that minister or secretary position of the defence ministry will not be given to him.
As the first step, the government has given a green light by granting bail to Dhanuna Tilakaratne, Fonseka’s son-in-law. Fonseka is presently under tremendous pressure from his wife and two daughters to join the government, say sources close to the family.
He is today (25) having a lengthy discussion with former president Chandrika Kumaratunga regarding this matter, and in the event of failure of the talks, Fonseka is likely to dissolve his party and join the government within the next few days, the sources say.
Furthermore, unconfirmed sources say Fonseka’s representatives who are holding talks with the government have requested an advance payment.
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